I love Taj... I've seen him a few times with a backing band band, but I think at this point in his career he really shines solo or in small acoustic groups like in the video you posted here....
If you want grit, Howlin' fuckin Wolf. Listening to that you can draw a straight line to Beefheart & Tom Waits' voices
Probably doesn't quite fit in your taste, but if you're looking to listen to more blues, I'd be remiss to not recommend the other two Kings, Freddie and Albert
Albert King is just my absolute favorite blues artist. Heavily influential on the 70's rock & blues artists, especially Stevie Ray Vaughn. Here they have an AWESOME jam sesh together. Also...
Albert King is just my absolute favorite blues artist. Heavily influential on the 70's rock & blues artists, especially Stevie Ray Vaughn. Here they have an AWESOME jam sesh together.
I love Taj... I've seen him a few times with a backing band band, but I think at this point in his career he really shines solo or in small acoustic groups like in the video you posted here. Another really interesting / great Taj show I know is one he did in the mid-80's with the inestimable Doc Watson -- a mix of folk, bluegrass, and straight blues, you'll be surprised by how well those disparate styles blend.
A couple other suggestions:
Albert King is just my absolute favorite blues artist. Heavily influential on the 70's rock & blues artists, especially Stevie Ray Vaughn. Here they have an AWESOME jam sesh together.
Also speaking of blues crossovers - check out Eric Clapton x B.B. King